LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS MANAGER

Job Requisition ID: 48503 
Closing Date: 08/12/2025
​Agency: Illinois Power Agency
Salary: $90,000 - $105,000
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
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Number of Vacancies: 1

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal. 

****A COVER LETTER AND RESUME IS REQUIRED FOR THIS JOB POSTING****

Please attach a Cover Letter that describes your interest in and qualifications for the position, a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV), three professional references, a copy of your transcripts or diploma for all degrees earned, and a copy of any applicable professional licensures to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application. Please note that the Illinois Power Agency must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) before any offer can be extended. You WILL NOT be considered for the position if you attach a CMS100, CMS100b or any other document in lieu of a Resume or CV.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.  

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

 Work Hours: M-F: 9AM to 5PM
Email: IPA.HR@illinois.gov
Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance; Environmental & Natural Resources; Fiscal, Finance & Procurement; Leadership & Management; Office & Administrative Support

Illinois Power Agency

Legislative Affairs Manger

The Illinois Power Agency (“IPA/Agency”) is seeking a Legislative Affairs Manager to work out of its Springfield or Chicago offices. 

The Legislative Affairs Manager position will offer a unique opportunity to work on cutting edge legislative and energy policy issues at both state and local levels with a specific focus on monitoring legislative developments in the Illinois General Assembly.  The Legislative Affairs Manager will serve as the Agency’s legislative liaison and will be responsible for representing the IPA before elected officials at both the state and local levels, including maintaining relationships with elected officials and their staff.

The Legislative Affairs Manager will coordinate with Agency subject-matter experts on bill analyses and manage the IPA’s legislative agenda, including tracking proposed legislation. This position will also be responsible for developing strategies to promote and effectively communicate achievements from the IPA’s two solar incentive programs, renewable energy procurements, energy procurements, and work advancing equity in the clean energy economy.

The Legislative Affairs Manager will report to the Director of External Affairs but is also expected to work closely with the Agency Director, Chief Strategy & Communications Officer, Chief Legal Counsel, Planning & Procurement Bureau Chief, and other key Agency staff.  While this position offers the flexibility of a remote work environment, weekly travel to Springfield to cover Illinois General Assembly session days in-person is required.  Additional travel may be required for in-district meetings, select meetings with local officials, hearings and conferences. The successful candidate must be available on-site in Springfield during legislative session days for monitoring legislative activities.

Core Responsibilities: 

• In conjunction with the Agency Director, Chief Strategy & Communications Officer, and External Affairs Director, build out and execute on a strategic plan for the IPA’s legislative affairs work, including developing targets for in-person meetings, building relationships with key constituencies, identifying collaboration opportunities with the IPA’s DEI Bureau on equity-related work, and otherwise advancing legislative goals.    
• Annually develop an IPA legislative agenda and serve as a liaison with sponsors of any Agency-driven legislation.
• Work closely with Agency leadership, subject-matter experts, and finance staff on development of the Agency’s annual appropriation request.
• Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders involved in developing legislation, including General Assembly members, committee staff, legislative liaisons from other state agencies, and legislative affairs staff from the Office of the Governor.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key local and county officials, should local or county government actions affect the Agency’s interests.
• Monitor legislation impacting the Agency, including creating and maintaining a tracking platform for that legislation and coordinating the development of bill analyses and feedback through working closely with subject matter experts at the Agency.
• Communicate developments around proposed and enacted legislation to internal stakeholders, ensuring that IPA staff and subject matter experts are informed and prepared.
• Coordinate with IPA external communications staff to address any legislative follow-ups that may arise from any constituent inquiries.
• Serve as one of the editors for the Agency’s Power Brief monthly legislative newsletter, including drafting articles, coordinating the editing process, and ensuring the newsletter is shared with ILGA members and their staff.
• Participate in legislative negotiations, stakeholder discussions, workshop processes, and other forums through which legislation and other energy policy ideas are developed or refined.
• Explore innovative approaches that inform the IPA’s work in the energy and renewable energy sector among local and state elected officials and their constituent services.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned that relate to the duties enumerated above.  

Minimum Requirements: 

•          Bachelor’s degree in political science or equivalent knowledge skill and experience in public affairs or public administration or public policy from an accredited college or university.
•          Minimum three (3) years of experience in legislative or government affairs with focus on public policy.
•          Ability to read, research and track legislation.
•          Advanced interpersonal skills with the ability to work with a wide range of diverse individuals and constituencies.
•          Professional demeanor and good judgment when engaging with public officials and other key stakeholders. 
•          Oral and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to a variety of audiences. 
•          Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively within a fast-paced, dynamic, and creative environment.
•          Ability to work independently and apply previous guidance to novel circumstances.

 Desired Skills and Qualifications:

• Prior experience in energy policy, public policy, and especially legislative matters strongly desired.
• Experience working in or around the Illinois General Assembly, including a strong understanding of the Illinois legislative process
• Background in or familiarity with Illinois energy law and regulation or ability to quickly learn technical statutory and policy matters. 
• Advanced analytical, critical thinking, and strategic thinking skills.
• Effective planning, project management, and time management skills.
• Ability to compile, analyze, interpret, and integrate complex information into simplified manner, and present that information back in an accessible way.  
• Strong network of relationships across state government, including with state legislative offices. 

Travel Requirements: 

This position requires travel to and from the Illinois General Assembly’s meetings in Springfield, which generally run from February through May with additional weeks scheduled across October or November (but which may also include extended or special session dates).  Expenses for state-related travel are reimbursed consistent with state travel guidelines, including a per diem applicable to longer trips.   

This is a merit compensation position.  Position Salary Range:  $90,000-$105,000.  Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position is a hybrid position and may require in-office work on a periodic basis.

The Legislative Affairs Manager is prohibited from: (i) owning, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of the voting capital stock of an electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier; (ii) being in any chain of successive ownership of 5% or more of the voting capital stock of any electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier; (iii) receiving any form of compensation, fee, payment, or other consideration from an electric utility, independent power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier, including legal fees, consulting fees, bonuses, or other sums. These limitations do not apply to any compensation received pursuant to a defined benefit plan or other form of deferred compensation, provided that the individual has otherwise severed all ties to the utility, power producer, power marketer, or alternative retail electric supplier.

For more information on the Illinois Power Agency, please see: www.illinois.gov/ipa

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references along with your online application. *A cover letter is required in order to be considered for the position.*

No phone calls please. 

The Illinois Power Agency is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer 

 The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
• systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com